Designed by Ellen Rath from Purdue University (Interior Design, Class of 2027) as a part of the 2025 PAVE Gala T-Shirt Design Challenge, sponsored by Studio Lourdes.
This design won the 2025 Judges' Choice Award.
Artist Statement: Out of all of the symbols used to represent the future, I believe a sunrise is one of the most vibrant. The dawn of a new day brings new ideas, technologies, and future possibilities. This is why I decided to base my design around a sunrise, serving as a starting point for advancement, the beginning of the bridge. I used a through arch bridge in my design because I think it’s a great representation of expanding upon and modernizing a design to make it more suitable for an ever-changing future. The through arch bridge takes the historical silhouette of an arched bridge and applies new ideas to it. Inspiration for my design also came from the phrase “Pave the Way”. It encapsulates the idea of moving forward into the future in a way that is supportive to others. Building bridges and leading the charge in pushing design to its limits while uplifting those around you. Arrows were included in the PAVE text to emphasize the connection between two sides and the outward movement. The bridge serves as a connection between the past and the future. The relationship between the two sides is necessary to improve and move forward in design. Growth is not only an upward movement, but an outward expansion. The future is able to take any shape we want, as long as we shed light on it.
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This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for all.
• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Side-seamed construction
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Blank product sourced from Nicaragua, Mexico, Honduras, or the US
Disclaimer: The fabric is slightly sheer and may appear see-through, especially in lighter colors or under certain lighting conditions.
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
